In his book entitled, Balance: A Tried and Tested Formula for Church Growth, Ira North, in chapter seven, points us to the importance of helping the poor, the downtrodden, and the “lowly.” Brother North quotes Romans 12:16 (KJV) which says Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to …
Category: Weekly Encouragement
Every week, the ministers here at the South Green church of Christ write brief articles for the congregation's weekly bulletin. The following is a copy of those articles, which have been adapted to this digital environment. Brief and to the point, these articles are designed to inspire, encourage, and challenge all. We hope and trust you will find them useful.
A Second Chance
In Luke 7:11-17, there is reported a very special interaction between Jesus and a widow who was now grieving the loss of her only son. Apparently the whole town of Nain felt sorry for her as they were mourning with her. Jesus had compassion on her—He raised her son from the dead and gave him …
Do You Struggle With Parenting (Me Too!)
Parenting is challenging. The top of the Christian parent challenge list would be, “Will my child be faithful to Christ into adulthood?” The Fuller Youth Institute says 50% of students walk away from the church after they graduate High School. Our youth need: Inter-generational relationships: Titus 2:1-5 says But as for you, speak the things …
Left Behind, Missing Our Family & Friends
I am thankful each day to rise and participate in life. However, I am seeing more and more of my family, friends, and those who have meant so much to me pass away. We know grief and death are part of life (Hebrews 9:27), but I think we all yearn to spend more time with …
Politics, Celebrities, Sports, & Stuff
It’s been a great weekend. I was blessed to spend time with older generations of my family Saturday & fish with some of my extended family later in the day. I was given the opportunity to teach Bible class and worship our Heavenly Father Sunday with my immediate family. During the week, I long for …
Appropriate Response to Jesus
In Luke 4 there is a major focus on who Jesus is and the way people respond to Him. Obviously, there are both appropriate as well as inappropriate ways to respond to His presence and call. Some appropriate responses to Jesus would be: (1) Praise Him for His powerful message (Luke 4:15). • Jesus reveals …
Are you “all in” or kinda “all in?”
I Cor. 9:19 says For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; While preaching in urban centers, Paul encountered diverse orators who were skilled at speaking but were deceptive & false. Their skills brought them fame & fortune as the moved …
Others Realize You Are Lost Before You Do
As a little boy, I enjoyed playing with my neighborhood buddies while looking for new kids to hang out with during the summers. Most of us were alike. We stayed outside all the time and created our own games. Only one of our friends had air condition at his house. One day, he invited us …
Finishing Well
Wouldn’t you love to face eternity with confidence? You can! “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of …
Heaven: Something to Marvel
Last week at the San Diego Comic Con, President of Marvel Studios, Kevin Fiege, revealed the plans for their new set of upcoming movies. This included several movie titles and release dates, as well as some new live action shows that will air on the new Disney+ streaming service. If you’re anything like me, this …